Week 5: Advanced Testing Concepts
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Smoke and Sanity Testing
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Today, we'll start by discussing **Smoke Testing**. Does anyone know what it is?
Isn't that just testing if the basic functionalities work?
"Exactly! Think of smoke testing as a simple check to ensure the most critical features of a software application work correctly after a new build.
Regression Testing
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Let's now discuss **Regression Testing**. Can someone explain what this involves?
Is that about making sure new code doesnβt break old features?
Spot on! Regression testing ensures that new updates or features do not negatively impact existing functionalities. A helpful mnemonic is *REGRESS*: *R*etain *E*xisting *G*ood *R*esults *E*ven *S*ince our *S*oftware is changing. Student_2, can you provide a scenario where regression testing is crucial?
When we add a new payment option, we have to make sure the old ones still work?
Exactly! Now, can anyone share how regression testing can be automated?
By creating automated test scripts that can be rerun every time we release a new version?
Yes! That's the core idea of automated regression testing. To wrap up, remember, regression testing focuses on ensuring old functionality remains intact after new changes.
Integration and System Testing
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Next, letβs talk about **Integration Testing**. Who can tell me what that involves?
Itβs about testing the interaction between different modules, right?
That's right! Specifically, integration testing checks that combined modules work together correctly. A handy mnemonic is *INTEGRATE*: *I*nvestigate *N*ew *T*est *E*xecutions *G*iving *R*esults *A*bove *T*heshold *E*fficaciously. Can anyone give an example of integration testing?
Testing whether the payment processing works correctly when tied to the shopping cart?
Perfect example! Now, what about **System Testing**? Student_2, can you explain that?
System testing is for testing the complete and integrated software system as a whole.
Exactly! It evaluates the end-to-end system specifications. To reiterate, integration testing checks how modules interact, while system testing looks at the complete system functionality. Excellent work today!
User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and Exploratory Testing
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Now let's shift gears to **User Acceptance Testing**, or UAT. Who can tell me what that means?
Itβs when real users test the software to make sure it meets their requirements.
Exactly! UAT is crucial as it helps ensure the software developed meets the actual needs of its users. Can anyone describe when UAT is typically conducted?
After all the functionality is complete and ready to be tested by the actual users?
Right again! Now, letβs discuss **Exploratory Testing**. Student_1, how would you describe this type of testing?
Itβs unstructured testing where testers go through the application without predefined test cases?
Exactly! Exploratory testing allows for flexibility and creative exploration of the application. A fun way to remember is *EXPLORE*: *E*xperience *X*pectations *P*roactively *L*evitating *O*ptimized *R*esults *E*verywhere. Letβs summarize: UAT checks user needs while exploratory testing offers creative freedom in finding defects. Amazing participation today, everyone!
Ad-hoc Testing
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Finally, letβs discuss **Ad-hoc Testing**. What can someone tell me about this type?
It's informal testing without any structured approach?
Yes! Ad-hoc testing is conducted without any formal test cases or documentation, helping to find defects in an unruly manner. A mnemonic that may help is *AD-HOC*: *A*imed *D*irectly *H*elping *O*ptimize *C*omponents. Can anyone suggest when it might be most useful to implement ad-hoc testing?
When thereβs limited time before a release?
Exactly, or when testers want to explore and find defects without a structured method. To conclude, ad-hoc testing is about being spontaneous to discover issues. Well done today, everyone!
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
In Week 5, learners delve into various advanced testing concepts, such as smoke, sanity, regression, integration, system testing, UAT, and exploratory testing. Each type plays a crucial role in the software testing process, and understanding these different methodologies helps ensure robust software quality.
Detailed
Week 5: Advanced Testing Concepts
In this section, we explore vital advanced testing concepts that rigorously evaluate the functionality and performance of software systems. Understanding these testing methodologies is crucial for QA professionals, enhancing their ability to manage software quality effectively.
Key Topics:
- Smoke Testing:
- Definition: Quick testing to ensure major functionalities work before proceeding to more detailed testing.
- Example: Verifying that the login process works post-deployment.
- Sanity Testing:
- Definition: Checking specific functionalities after changes have been made to ensure they work as intended.
- Example: Testing a bug fix after a particular issue has been addressed.
- Regression Testing:
- Definition: Ensuring that new code changes do not adversely affect existing functionalities.
- Example: Running a set of tests after adding a new feature to verify that previously working features remain intact.
- Integration Testing:
- Definition: Testing interactions between integrated components/modules of an application.
- Example: Testing how the payment module interacts with the order management module.
- System Testing:
- Definition: End-to-end testing of the complete system to verify its compliance with the specified requirements.
- Example: Conducting tests on the entire e-commerce platform to ensure all integrated sections work in harmony.
- User Acceptance Testing (UAT):
- Definition: Validation of the software by the end-users to ensure it meets their expectations and requirements.
- Example: Users testing a travel booking application to ensure it meets their needs before going live.
- Exploratory Testing:
- Definition: Informal testing without predefined test cases, allowing testers to use their intuition and experience.
- Example: Checking a newly developed software interface by navigating through it spontaneously to discover unforeseen issues.
- Ad-hoc Testing:
- Definition: Unstructured testing aimed at finding defects by randomly testing the application.
- Example: Quick manual checks of an application without detailed documentation.
Significance:
These advanced testing methodologies are essential tools in a QA professional's arsenal. They help detect bugs early, improve software quality, and ensure that the application meets user requirements effectively.
Audio Book
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Smoke, Sanity, and Regression Testing
Chapter 1 of 5
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Chapter Content
Smoke Testing: Verifies major features work.
Sanity Testing: Checks specific fixes.
Regression Testing: Ensures new changes donβt break existing functionality.
Example: Smoke test: Verify login works. Regression test: Re-test login after a new feature is added.
Detailed Explanation
Smoke testing is a preliminary test to check the major functions of an application to confirm it is stable enough for further testing. Sanity testing is performed to verify that a specific feature or bug fix works correctly after changes are made. Regression testing is a more extensive testing process that checks whether new changes in the code have adversely affected existing features.
Examples & Analogies
Think of these tests like checking a vehicle. Smoke testing is like checking if the engine starts, sanity testing is ensuring that a repair is effective (e.g., fixing brakes), and regression testing is verifying that after performing maintenance, all other features of the car (e.g., lights, horn) still work without issues.
Integration and System Testing
Chapter 2 of 5
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Chapter Content
Integration Testing: Tests interactions between modules.
System Testing: Tests the entire system end-to-end.
Example: Integration: Test API connection between payment and order modules.
Detailed Explanation
Integration testing focuses on the interactions between software modules to ensure they work together as expected. System testing evaluates the complete system's compliance with the specified requirements, simulating real-world usage scenarios.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a restaurant. Integration testing is like ensuring that the kitchen and waitstaff communicate effectively (e.g., orders are correctly taken and prepared). System testing is akin to dining at the restaurant where every aspect β from ordering to receiving the meal β is assessed.
UAT, Alpha, and Beta Testing
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Chapter Content
UAT: Users validate the system meets needs.
Alpha/Beta Testing: Early testing in controlled (Alpha) or real-world (Beta) environments.
Detailed Explanation
User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is performed by actual users to confirm the software meets their expectations and requirements. Alpha testing is conducted internally (often in a simulated environment), while beta testing is released to a limited external audience to gather feedback in a real-world setting.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a beta test as trying a new restaurant where a few customers try out the menu before the grand opening. They provide feedback, making sure the food and service meet their standards. UAT is like gathering reviews from regular patrons to ensure their dining preferences are met consistently.
Exploratory and Ad-hoc Testing
Chapter 4 of 5
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Chapter Content
Exploratory Testing: Tests without predefined cases, guided by intuition.
Ad-hoc Testing: Informal testing to find defects.
Detailed Explanation
Exploratory testing allows testers to use their knowledge and experience to test the software without following a strict plan, often leading to the discovery of unforeseen defects. Ad-hoc testing is similar but is specifically unstructured and done with no documentation.
Examples & Analogies
Exploratory testing can be compared to a traveler exploring a new city without a map, discovering hidden gems along the way. Ad-hoc testing is akin to stumbling across a local festival while wandering around; thereβs no planned structure, but interesting insights can still be gained.
Mini Project β Regression Suite for a Web App
Chapter 5 of 5
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Chapter Content
Students create a regression test suite for a web app.
Exercise:
1. Write five regression test cases.
2. Execute the suite and report results.
Detailed Explanation
In this project, students will develop a regression test suite, which is a collection of test cases that can be run repeatedly to ensure previously developed and tested software continues to perform correctly after changes have been made.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine maintaining a garden. Each time you prune or plant new flowers, you check that existing plants are still healthy and thriving. Similarly, regression testing ensures that while new features are added or existing features are updated, the overall functionality remains intact and free of bugs.
Key Concepts
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Smoke Testing: Initial checks for critical functionalities.
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Sanity Testing: Focused checks after specific changes.
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Regression Testing: Ensuring existing functionality remains unaffected.
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Integration Testing: Testing interactions between modules.
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System Testing: Complete end-to-end testing.
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User Acceptance Testing: Validating the software with end-users.
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Exploratory Testing: Informal exploration without set cases.
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Ad-hoc Testing: Random and unstructured testing.
Examples & Applications
Smoke Testing: Verifying that the login functionality works after a system update.
Regression Testing: Checking that adding a new feature does not break the existing shopping cart.
Integration Testing: Testing how the billing module interacts with the order processing system.
Exploratory Testing: A tester navigating through a mobile app without pre-set test scripts to discover potential user experience issues.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
Smoke before flame, to check if the game's the same!
Stories
Think of a chef tasting a dish (sanity testing) after only adding new spices (changes) to ensure it's still delicious (functions well).
Memory Tools
For testing types, think MISES - Smoke, Integration, System, UAT, Ad-hoc & Sanity.
Acronyms
For Regression Testing, use REGRESS
Retaining Existing Good Results Even Since updates.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Smoke Testing
A preliminary test to check the basic functionality of the system.
- Sanity Testing
A quick check to verify certain functionalities work after changes or bug fixes.
- Regression Testing
Testing to ensure new changes do not adversely affect existing functionalities.
- Integration Testing
Testing interactions between integrated components or systems.
- System Testing
End-to-end testing of a complete system to ensure it meets specified requirements.
- User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
Validation of the software by end-users to ensure it meets their needs.
- Exploratory Testing
Informal testing without predefined test cases, guided by the tester's intuition.
- Adhoc Testing
Unstructured testing aimed at finding defects randomly and informally.
Reference links
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